Wave and EM Spectrum Flashcards

Front

What are electromagnetic waves?

Back

Electromagnetic waves are energy waves produced by the vibration of charged particles, differing from ocean waves because they do not require a medium to travel through.

Front

How do electromagnetic waves transfer energy?

Back

Through vibrations of electric and magnetic fields.

Front

How is energy transferred in sound waves?

Back

Through vibration of air particles or particles of a solid through which the sound travels.

Front

How is energy transferred in water waves?

Back

Through the vibration of the water particles.

Front

Define amplitude.

Back

The height of the wave from equilibrium to crest OR from equilibrium to trough.

Front

Define wavelength.

Back

The length of one complete cycle of a wave, measured in meters, centimeters, etc.

Front

What is the crest of a wave?

Back

The highest point of a wave.

Front

What is the trough of a wave?

Back

The lowest point of a wave.

Front

Define period in wave terms.

Back

The length of time to complete one cycle, measured in seconds.

Front

Define frequency in wave terms.

Back

The number of waves that pass a point per second, measured in Hertz (Hz).